Syewá:l (Ancestors) is a house post commissioned through our Public Art Program, in partnership with Vancouver Civic Theatres. It is located at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

It was created as part of the Artist-Initiated Program, which invites artists to propose their own public artworks and sites.

For səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) artist Zac George, his house post titled Syewá:l—meaning “Ancestors”—embodies the deep-rooted relationship between the local Nations and the Robson Street corridor, an area historically used for hunting and food gathering. The work also reflects his personal lineage.

The post honours his grandfather, the late Chief Dan George, who is portrayed toward its base, just above a traditional Coast Salish weaving pattern.

At the top sits a carved takaya (wolf) face, symbolizing the Tsleil-Waututh people having descended from the Wolf Clan, while the figure beneath it pays tribute to the women and grandmothers in his ancestry.